1997 BMW Z3 2.8 Test Drive

The arrival of the optional 190-horsepower six-cylinder engine in the Z3 put more rumble in Germany’s most affordable roadster for 1997. Easily pushing the price tag over $30k and beyond, but still a bargain, and less costly than the Mercedes and Porsche competition. With either engine, the South Carolina built Z3 delivered dashingly distinctive styling, tremendous handling, and a supple all-of-a-chunk body structure that lent the car a high quality feeling.